BISHOP OF AO-TE-ROA

Grey River Argus, 3 December 1928, Page 5

BISHOP OF AO-TE-ROA

REV F. A. BENNETT ENDOWED. AN INSPIRING CEREMONY. (Per Press Association). NAPIER. December 2. The Rev Frederick Augustus Bennett was endowed with the office of Bishop of Aoteroa. at St John’s Cathedral to-day. in th e presence of a largo assemblage of Maoris and Europeans. The consecration performance was by His Grace the Archbishop of the Province (Dr Averill), assisted by six Bishops of the Province. It was an edifying and affecting ceremony. Its tenderness perhaps was its most impressive feature. It was unique in Church of England history, in that both races joined to witness the consecration of 'the first Maori Bishop. This feature was emphasised during the singing of the hymns, which were sung in both tongues at thb same time, with perfect harmony. Grouped on one side of the church were Maoris, and on the other pakchas, between which was a spectacular procession of choristers, clergy and Bishops.**who proceeded to places allot ted.

The Archbishop. assisted by tfcBishops of Wellington and Christchurch conducted the early part of the service. Archdeacon 11. Williams preached an inspiring .sermon in both tongues. The Bishop-elect was presented l»y the Bishops of Waiapu and Wellington, and Rev Bennett made his declaration. The litany was said in Maori, led by the Rev Pine Taniahori. The examination of the Bishop-elect by the Archbishop followed, and then the Rev Bennett donned the episcopal robes, which was followed by prayer and the consecration of the Bishop-elect, and tlie presentation of a Bible. The Sacrament was then administered by the Archbishop, assisted by the Bishops of Nelson. Waiapu and Dunedin.